Computer Build??? Will this work?

T

Timm

Limp Gawd
Joined
May 11, 2008
Messages
156
Ok so I posted this setup about a month ago but I changed a couple things. Just wanted to get everyone's opinion. My biggest concern is the PSU. Will it be able to power everything there? Also will it be able to handle any small additions later on? Oh and will I have to buy anything else to help with temp?

Case - NZXT LEXA BlackLine

Motherboard - MSI K9A2 Platinum

PSU - OCZ Fatal1ty 550W

CPU - AMD Phenom 9950 BLACK EDITION

RAM - OCZ SLI-Ready Edition 4GB

Hard Drive - Samsung HD642JJ 640GB

Optical Drive - LG Black 6X Blu-ray/HD Model GGC-H20L

Graphics Card - BFG Tech GeForce 8800GTS (G92) Already have this by the way

Thanks for the help guys :) This is my first build so if i missed something big sorry :D
 
Please list the name of the parts as well as the links.

Additionally, please answer the following questions:

- Where did you get your video card from? How much did you spend on it?
- What are you using this computer for?
- Do you plan on overclocking?
- Which monitor/resolution are you using?
- Which future upgrades were you considering?
 
Please type out the names of the components next to your links.

I'll go ahead and tell you, don't get that PSU. Pick up a Corsair, Seasonic, Silverstone, or PC Power & Cooling branded unit instead. The BFG "ES" series is also very good.

The case is overpriced and nothing special, but if you like it it's alright.

HDD, spend another $10 or so for the Western Digital 6400AALS or AAKS, they're much faster drives.

CPU and Motherboard, any particular reason you're going AMD instead of Intel? You could get a less expensive case and easily make up the price differential between a Core 2 Quad setup and your current Phenom X4 setup, and the Core 2 Quad would be faster.
 
I bought the video card from another Hardforum member for $100 (new). I will be using the computer for gaming (mostly WoW, Oblivion, and plan on playing Diablo 3 when it comes out). I also watch a lot of HD content. I will be utilizing a 19 " (1440x900) and a 32" HDTV (1920x1080). I play WoW and Oblivion on the HDTV at 1080P off of a GeForce 8600 GT right now and I am only slightly put down by the performance. I am also not against moving games to the 19" if performance requires. I don't plan on overclocking (at the moment) don't know how so I've lived without it. And as far as other upgrades I have no idea. Maybe a couple fans, another hard drive or two, possibly sli graphics cards.

Oh and as far as the case goes, I really like that case (it's aesthetically pleasing ;))

And what intel processor did you have in mind. I don't know why I lean towards AMD, but if the Intel is better and not horribly more expensive I will definitely take it into consideration. But will it be necessary for what I do? Which like I said before is some gaming, lots of HD content, and internet browsing. With the two monitors I usually do at least two of these at the same time. Either an HD movie on the HDTV and a game on the 19", a game on the HDTV and browsing on the 19", or a movie on the HDTV and browsing on the 19". Also a couple (light) programs in the background.
 
Your setup is fine save for the video card. If you plan on playing more games on the 1080p HDTV at some point in the future (besides Diablo 3), then I recommend a newer card. (Given the comparatively rapid changeover of high-end cards, you could time the purchase of the new card to around the time you decide to pick up Diablo 3.) Performance-wise, you'll see better results gaming on the 19" monitor... but it's really up to you.

And when we mean "please list the parts..." we mean something like:

Case - NZXT LEXA BlackLine
 
Ok so I looked at some Intel stuff and here's what I came up with. I have about $750 to work with and is being put towards everything but the graphics card.

Here are the Intel Motherboard/CPU I found, reason for going with these is due to the combo deal they currently have (don't know how long that is going to last though). So how would this combination compare to the AMD CPU and Motherboard I had picked out previously?

Intel Motherboard - SUPERMICRO MBD-C2SBC-Q-O LGA 775 Intel Q35

Intel CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200
 
The Core 2 Quad Q8200, performs about as well as the Phenom X4 9950. The Q8200 is a marginally better overclocker, but its low multiplier is the reason why we often recommend the older Q6600 over it. I've never used a SuperMicro board before, but from what I've read (in the past) about them, they're entry-level boards with few features and virtually no overclocking capabilities. In this case, you're better off with your AMD setup.

... Actually, why do you need a board with four PCI-E x16 slots? The MSI K9A2 Platinum board that you chose in your OP supports CrossFire, which only works with ATI video cards... and you've bought a NVIDIA card. Do you even see yourself using a multi-card setup at any point in time?
 
I don't see the multi card setup happening anytime soon, and even then I might just go with one high performance card. So based on that what do you think I should be looking at as far as a Motherboard?
 
silent-circuit said:
Please type out the names of the components next to your links.

I'll go ahead and tell you, don't get that PSU. Pick up a Corsair, Seasonic, Silverstone, or PC Power & Cooling branded unit instead. The BFG "ES" series is also very good.

The case is overpriced and nothing special, but if you like it it's alright.

HDD, spend another $10 or so for the Western Digital 6400AALS or AAKS, they're much faster drives.

CPU and Motherboard, any particular reason you're going AMD instead of Intel? You could get a less expensive case and easily make up the price differential between a Core 2 Quad setup and your current Phenom X4 setup, and the Core 2 Quad would be faster.
Click to expand...

+1, exactly what I would have written.
 
Here's a better choice for a power supply (for around the same price):

$78.24 - Antec Earthwatts EA650 650W PSU (free shipping)

It's more powerful and more reliable than the OCZ Fata1ity Edition PSU.

As for RAM, there are cheaper and/or better options than the OCZ set that you chose in your OP. If you don't plan on overclocking at all, or if you end up buying a system with the Q6600, get the G.Skill 4GB DDR2 800 kit, which is cheaper and uses less voltage than the OCZ kit. (Less voltage is a big plus while overclocking, as it allows you to push the overclock a bit more.) If you do plan on overclocking, get either a DDR2 1000 or DDR2 1066 kit, depending on which one is cheaper. All of the kits that I recommended come from G.Skill, which makes inexpensive RAM that work just as well as the more expensive brands.
 
Zero82z said:
You should be looking for something significantly cheaper than that Supermicro board, for starters. Here are some excellent options:
ASUS P5Q Pro - $130 ($115 after rebate)
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R - $120 ($105 after rebate)

Also, for the CPU, consider this chip if it fits in your budget (what is your budget, by the way?):
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400 - $270
Click to expand...

My budget is $750 and that is for everything but the graphics card. So I don't think that processor will be doable :(

tiraides said:
Here's a better choice for a power supply (for around the same price):

$78.24 - Antec Earthwatts EA650 650W PSU (free shipping)

It's more powerful and more reliable than the OCZ Fata1ity Edition PSU.

As for RAM, there are cheaper and/or better options than the OCZ set that you chose in your OP. If you don't plan on overclocking at all, or if you end up buying a system with the Q6600, get the G.Skill 4GB DDR2 800 kit, which is cheaper and uses less voltage than the OCZ kit. (Less voltage is a big plus while overclocking, as it allows you to push the overclock a bit more.) If you do plan on overclocking, get either a DDR2 1000 or DDR2 1066 kit, depending on which one is cheaper. All of the kits that I recommended come from G.Skill, which makes inexpensive RAM that work just as well as the more expensive brands.
Click to expand...

I will definitely take into consideration that PSU and I will be checking out those RAM suggestions. I don't plan on overclocking anytime soon (have to learn first ;)) but I am leaning towards the DDR2 1000 so that way I won't have any issues when I want to learn.
 
Timm said:
My budget is $750 and that is for everything but the graphics card. So I don't think that processor will be doable :( ...
Click to expand...

If you need/want a quadcore, the Q6600 is great and can OC to at least 3.0Ghz. With DDR2-800, you could take it to 3.6Ghz if your chip can handle it.
 
enginurd said:
If you need/want a quadcore, the Q6600 is great and can OC to at least 3.0Ghz. With DDR2-800, you could take it to 3.6Ghz if your chip can handle it.
Click to expand...

So getting the Q6600 and learning how to OC would be a better option than going with the 9950? Also I looked at the two motherboards posted by Zero82z and I'm leaning towards this one Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R Do you guys think that will do it? I won't have the option of running two cards SLI but I think I would be more likely to go with a higher end card then dealing with the two cards.

Now I think the only thing that hasn't been thoroughly discussed would be the Hard Drive. Does anyone have any suggestion for a good Hard Drive? 640gb being my first choice realistic money wise.

Thanks for all the help by the way. You guys are life savers :)
 
Timm said:
So getting the Q6600 and learning how to OC would be a better option than going with the 9950?
Click to expand...
Definitely. Even a stock Q6600 is faster than the 9950 at stock. An overclocked Q6600 would be much faster.
Timm said:
Also I looked at the two motherboards posted by Zero82z and I'm leaning towards this one Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R Do you guys think that will do it? I won't have the option of running two cards SLI but I think I would be more likely to go with a higher end card then dealing with the two cards.
Click to expand...
That will do it. It's one of the better-overclocking boards on the market.
Timm said:
Now I think the only thing that hasn't been thoroughly discussed would be the Hard Drive. Does anyone have any suggestion for a good Hard Drive? 640gb being my first choice realistic money wise.
Click to expand...
The Western Digital WD6400AAKS or WD6401AALS are the two top choices. The AALS, which is sold under the Black branding, is slightly faster, but $5 more expensive. You may as well just go with it though, since $5 isn't exactly a huge sum of money and you do get something out of it.
 
Western Digital 6400AALS (Black Edition) 640GB 7200RPM SATA HDD. $80. Arguably the fastest 7200RPM drive ever. Get one.
 
Well, I'm personally not a fan of that case, but aside from that, everything is looking pretty good. If you're willing to consider other cases, post your criteria and we'll try to find you something cheaper so you can stay within your budget :).
 
I like case just because of how it looks. I pretty much went page by page through newegg looking at all of the cases and that one just looks awesome! But if you think that the case is going to hinder the build in any way (temp) then I might look into another one. I would rather stick with the case and go over the budget though if that one will do what I need it to do. Again thanks for all the input guys!
 
Ditch the EA650. It would have been a good choice at $78 from the link Tiraides posted but for $100, it is too much money for it considering that the better quality Corsair 650TX can be had for the same price and has 7A more on the +12V rail:
Corsair 650TX 650W PSU - $100
 
Ok going with the PSU posted by Danny unless anyone has any objections. Thanks btw Danny :)
 
Danny Bui said:
However do note that it does not come with free shipping like the EA650 or Corsair 650TX
Click to expand...
That's true, but if he'll be buying all his parts from Newegg, the additional shipping cost should be minimal.
Timm said:
Ok going with the PSU posted by Danny unless anyone has any objections. Thanks btw Danny :)
Click to expand...
I do have an objection actually; the PSU I linked is $20 cheaper and will handle your system fine :). The one Danny posted is great, but since you're on a budget, why spend more when you don't need to?
 
Zero82z said:
That's true, but if he'll be buying all his parts from Newegg, the additional shipping cost should be minimal.

I do have an objection actually; the PSU I linked is $20 cheaper and will handle your system fine :). The one Danny posted is great, but since you're on a budget, why spend more when you don't need to?
Click to expand...

All true.
 
Lies! Had the Noctua in my cart, $8 shipping. I added a mobo and shipping doubled. :( stupid egg shipping.

Hehe, doesn't mean it'll happen to you, but beware of extra high shipping costs.
 
Zero82z said:
That's true, but if he'll be buying all his parts from Newegg, the additional shipping cost should be minimal.

I do have an objection actually; the PSU I linked is $20 cheaper and will handle your system fine :). The one Danny posted is great, but since you're on a budget, why spend more when you don't need to?
Click to expand...

If the one Danny posted is better I will just go with that then. I don't mind paying the extra $20 cuz I'm returning $70 of text books tomorrow which means I won't miss a penny.
 
Timm said:
If the one Danny posted is better I will just go with that then. I don't mind paying the extra $20 cuz I'm returning $70 of text books tomorrow which means I won't miss a penny.
Click to expand...

The one Danny posted isn't really better, it's just more powerful. However, your PC will not need that extra power, so you won't be gaining anything from it.
 
Ok well I guess it has come down to the PSU. Right now there are three on the table, I just need something that will run the setup I'm gonna be making and not have any trouble doing it.

BFG Tech LS SERIES LS-550 550W

Antec EarthWatts EA650

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W

Any new suggestions are welcome but if one of these will be sufficient, and won't blow up that'll do it. Also I've never bought anything from buy.com and I'm a little apprehensive so any positive feedback about that would be good too ;)
 
The Antec EA650 and/or the Corsair 650TX would only benefit you more than the BFG LS-550 if you're planning to run more than what you're currently considering real soon. Otherwise, your (current) setup will draw the same amount of power from any of those three power supplies; the only difference, to a certain extent, is how much extra juice you have left over.

Unless you ignore us and keep the OCZ Fata1ity Edition PSU, there's really no wrong way to make this decision. If you're looking at the lowest-priced power supply, there's the LS-550. The most reliable is the 650TX; and the "middle ground" between price and performance is the EA650. However, if you're considering only NewEgg-based products, scratch the EA650 from the list.
 
Well depending on others views I'm probably going to go with the 650TX. I want a little extra juice because I don't want to be hindered later. I don't know what I might want to throw in there, but I don't want to have to upgrade the power supply (or anything else for that matter) anytime soon.
 
Believe me, there are few additions you can make to your system that would make it even approach the limits of the LS-550. As it is, your PC will draw maybe 250W from the PSU while under full load. Even a multiple video card setup would be within its capabilities, but you'd have to replace your motherboard anyway to go that route.
 
Ok so right here is what I would end up paying for everything which each of the PSUs (Including shipping)

All from the egg with the BFG Tech LS SERIES LS-550 550W = $793 ($758 if I get all the rebates)

All from the egg with the CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W = $805 ($785 if I get all the rebates)

Everything from the egg except the Antec EarthWatts EA650 = $782 ($767 if I get all the rebates) This is also assuming that buy.com does not charge tax

So based on that anyone got an opinion. Like I said before I really just need something that will handle what I have without a problem and wouldn't have too much trouble with small additions later one. I have nothing against going with the LS-550 if it will do want I need it to, won't die on me, and can handle a little more if I need it to.
 
Well, it would make sense to go with the third option in that case, since it's cheaper. The PSUs are all of roughly equal quality, so the only real deciding factor is price. If you're willing to get the PSU from Buy.com, then that route will end up being cheaper.
 
Well depending on how reliable the rebates are the first would be the cheapest. But yes with the rebates aside it is cheaper to go with the EA650 from buy.com. I'm just wondering if it would be better to just stick with the egg for the whole purchase, take my chances with the rebates, and grab the LS-550. Still hoping for a couple more opinions.
 
If you're unorganized, can't keep track of multiple purchases from multiple websites, paranoid or conservative about how many sites you want to give money/credit card info to, or would like having a site that keeps track of all the parts you've ever bought from them, then buy everything from newegg.com.
 
Danny Bui said:
If you're unorganized, can't keep track of multiple purchases from multiple websites, paranoid or conservative about how many sites you want to give money/credit card info to, or would like having a site that keeps track of all the parts you've ever bought from them, then buy everything from newegg.com.
Click to expand...

I think I'm leaning towards buying all form the egg cuz I want everything to be taken care of in one place, and I can keep track of it all in one place. I wonder if that's because I'm lazy or paranoid... Well I guess based on that we are down to the 650TX and the LS-550. Everyone thinking the 550 will be enough because that's the PSU in the lead atm.
 
Timm said:
Everyone thinking the 550 will be enough because that's the PSU in the lead atm.
Click to expand...

As stated multiple times in this thread, the BFG LS-550 will be enough.

However since Corsair setup is only $13 more than the BFG and does offer 11A more on the +12V rail, that does make the Corsair setup better buy IMO. But the BFG's AR price is more than enough to offset the advantage gained by 11A on the +12V rail

Anyway, as Tiraides has already said, out of those three choices, you really can't go wrong.
 
Danny Bui said:
As stated multiple times in this thread, the BFG LS-550 will be enough.
Click to expand...

Sorry I guess I will just go with that then. But if you look there was one post which said that if I was planning on making any additions to the build, the 650TX would be the better option. I was looking for clarification that that might not be the case and the LS-550 would in fact have no problems with a slighlty heavier load.

Thanks for the help everybody :)
 
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